But then along comes an album that hogs all of my time and attention. Albums that I cannot get enough of. Albums that are seamless pieces of art rather than a collection of good songs.
These are my all-time favorite albums...
1. Brothers - The Black Keys
I love listening to this album. I just love listening to it. I don't have a favorite track. Many of them, I can't even distinguish from the others because it's all so perfectly woven together.
I don't care who you are. You're not as cool as the Keys.
I had only seen this movie one time when I bought this soundtrack. If you have never seen this movie, [SLAP] what are you waiting for?! Watch it immediately. The first time I heard Glen Hansard sing Say it to Me Now, I was stolen. Falling Slowly is obviously a brilliant and beautiful song, but it's nothing compared to the rest of the tracks. All the Way Down rips my heart out violently, in a good way.
3. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
I was actually a little late to the Arcade Fire bandwagon, but when I fell upon this group, I was mesmerized. Their music is a freight train. So much power behind that couple and s-ton of instruments.
If you have never heard A Fine Frenzy, then I am sorry, because she is one of the most beautiful singer/songwriters I have ever heard. This album is a dream. It's melancholy and ethereal. It sweeps you into an abyss of lovely.
I am one of those rare people who fell in love with Jenny Lewis before Rilo Kiley. I came across this album somehow and it sat on my iPod unlistened for too long. When I began playing in, I couldn't stop. It's gritty and sexy and angsty in a very feminine way. Jenny Lewis is my original hipster.
I fell in love with this album around the time Jude was born. I was in an all around good place. My heart was happy and the world just glowed a little brighter. This album was my soundtrack for that era of my life. At times, when the sadness would sink in, it had songs like Basket Case and Breathe Again to serenade me through.
This girl does not get enough props. Her voice is beautiful and her music is so artistic. I adore her.
I used to peddle this album to anyone who showed the slightest interest in Andrew Bird.
This is writing/reading music to me. It's not heavy or demanding. It lies listlessly in your ears and in your mind without asking for much.
Andrew Bird, part poet, part songwriter, party every-instrument-player. He's phenomenal.
You're shocked, I know. Actually, it took me a long time to love this album. Not because I heard it and didn't like it. No, it was my best friend, Becky, who was trying to get me to open my eyes to the magic of Mums. At first listen, I just waved it off as some of her weird banjo, Missouri music. (Sorry Beck) Then, one day it all just clicked. Once I was started, I couldn't stop.
9. Of Monsters and Men - My Head is an Animal
After first hearing the song Little Talks, I avoided giving this album a good listen to because I could only assume that whatever else they had could not be as good as that song. Boy was I wrong!
This album is so strong. Solid good.
I first heard Bon Iver on the Twilight soundtrack. He did a collaboration with St. Vincent, another favorite of mine. That song was good and I assumed Bon Iver was good and I admit, I underestimated him, greatly underestimated. I bought this album to try it out. It quickly became an ocean that I would gladly drown in. This music has become such a major part of my life. I hate to think I almost didn't discover it.
What are you all-time favorite albums that you listen to obsessively?

13 Comments
Oh my goodness, I knew you and I had a similar taste in music, but this post confirmed that again. For Emma Forever Ago is one of my all time favorites, I'm currently obsessed with My Head is an Animal, I love that Sara Bareilles album (and even more since I've seen her in concert), A Fine Frenzy is incredible, and that Black Keys album is the best. Oh, and Sigh No More is probably my favorite - EVER. And thanks for the new music recommendations :)
ReplyDeleteYess, #1 and #9 are amazing.
ReplyDeleteThe Black Keys <3 Arcade Fire <3 Mumford and Songs <3 and I adore the Once soundtrack. Great picks. :)
ReplyDeleteOne Cell in the Sea and My Head is an Animal are on my top 10, too!!! I'll have to check out the ones I don't know!
ReplyDeleteYou have the best taste in Music. I have all those and I love them!
ReplyDeleteHave you listened to the other CD's by the Swell Season (the band from the movie ONCE)? AMAZING.
So not only are we book loving twins, we have absurdly similar taste in music. I saw both A Fine Frenzy and Mumford in Sons in concert this year, Of Monsters and Men and Black Keys last year! I haven't even looked at the Once soundtrack, but based on your other recommendations I'm really excited to have new music I'll probably love just in time for finals.
ReplyDeleteOh how I love Jenny Lewis! I first fell in love back in 2001 or 2002 and I've been smitten ever since. Have you gotten your hands on Rilo Kiley's Rkives yet?
ReplyDeleteI actually haven't heard some of these albums but the ones I have are definitely my favorites, although I have heard some songs from most of the artists. I am quite intrigued to listen to Jenny Lewis.
ReplyDeleteI love the Black Keys!!! They are amazing and never disappoint.
ReplyDeleteI got to see Arcade FIre live last summer and they're even better live; their stage presence is just..phenomenal!
ReplyDeleteI think my favourites would have to go to Mother Mother (Eureka, though The Sticks is equally as good, for different reasons) and Brand New (The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me). I could listen to those albums on repeat forever.
Obviously love like this whole list. Love Arcade Fire/Montreal representing on the list too! Can you please just come visit here and I'll take you to a good show?! K THANKS <3
ReplyDeleteYESSSS on #2, #8 & #10 - good stuff!
ReplyDeleteOoo..nice picks!! Most recently my favorite albums have been Lungs by Florence and the Machine and Making Mirrors by Gotye.
ReplyDeleteComments are my favorite...